[Weather] Severe Cold Persists Below Freezing All Day... Cold Wave Advisories Issued Nationwide

On Tuesday, January 20, which marks Daehan (the coldest period of the year according to the traditional calendar), a severe cold wave hit the country.

Yonhap News Agency

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 5 a.m., temperatures in major regions were as follows: Seoul -10.5°C, Incheon -11.8°C, Suwon -9.7°C, Chuncheon -11.1°C, Gangneung -4.1°C, Cheongju -8.7°C, Daejeon -8.6°C, Jeonju -7.7°C, Gwangju -4.9°C, Jeju 1.3°C, Daegu -4.5°C, Busan -1.4°C, Ulsan -3.2°C, and Changwon -2.6°C. The highest daytime temperatures are forecast to range between -4°C and 7°C.

Due to the influx of cold air from the north, morning temperatures across most regions are expected to drop by about 10 degrees compared to the previous day, and daytime temperatures will remain below freezing for the time being, resulting in very cold conditions. Strong winds will make it feel even colder. In Seoul, the wind chill is expected to drop to as low as -17°C. This cold spell is expected to continue through the weekend.

Less than 1 cm of snow is expected along the southern coast of Gangwon and the east coast of North Gyeongsang Province during the morning. Snow flurries are also expected late at night along the west coast of South Chungcheong, the west coast of Jeolla, and Jeju Island.

Fine dust concentrations are expected to remain at 'good' levels nationwide due to smooth atmospheric dispersion.

Wave heights are forecast to be 1.0-3.5 meters in the East Sea, 1.0-3.0 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5-2.5 meters in the South Sea. In offshore areas (up to about 200 km from the coastline), wave heights are expected to reach 1.5-5.5 meters in the East Sea, 1.5-5.0 meters in the West Sea, and 1.0-4.0 meters in the South Sea.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the cold wave disaster crisis alert level from 'Attention' to 'Caution' as of 5 p.m. the previous day, in anticipation of the cold wave continuing across most regions nationwide until January 25. This preemptive measure was taken as cold wave advisories were issued for 120 out of 183 special alert zones nationwide.

With the elevation of the cold wave crisis alert to 'Caution,' both central and local governments are operating emergency response systems in stages. Fire departments, police, and local governments are working together to implement emergency management systems focused on vulnerable hours such as nighttime and early morning. Surveillance activities for people vulnerable to the cold, such as the homeless and elderly living alone, are being intensified, and protective measures, including the distribution of winter supplies, are being strengthened. Efforts are also being made to prevent cold damage to agricultural and fisheries products, protect water supply facilities, and check the electricity supply situation in response to increased heating demand, in order to minimize inconvenience in daily life. All available media are being mobilized to disseminate public guidelines for coping with the cold wave, including checking weather updates, refraining from going outside, wearing scarves when outdoors, and taking preventive measures against frozen water pipes.